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Vets can rake in freebies all day and all night

You served your country. On Veteran's Day, if you play your cards right, it's going to serve you -- on the house. From the moment you wake up until you hit the hay, Veteran's Day is Freebie Day. Sure, there

You served your country. On Veterans Day, if you play your cards right, it's going to serve you right back — on the house.

From the moment you wake up until you hit the hay, Veterans Day is Freebie Day. But you've got to plan.

Sure, there are a few catches — and most require proof of military service. (You need to check company websites for the fine print.) But if you're a vet or active military, you might plan out a Freebie Monday that goes something like this:

• You wake up hungry.Head over to Denny's for all-you-can-eat stacks of buttermilk pancakes. But you've got to pay up for anything else you get.

•You're feeling scruffy. Great Clips has you covered. Vets can walk in on Monday — with no appointment — and get free haircuts. If you don't have the time Monday, or just got a buzz cut, you can still snatch a rain check for a freebie haircut.

• You yearn for the outdoors. Check out any of the nation's 100 national parks. All parks with admission fees are waiving them for vets over the three-day weekend.

• You're ready for lunch — with pizzazz. You might try Hooters, which offers vets free meals to $10.99 — as long as you buy a beverage. And, ah, no charge for the ambience.

• You savor an afternoon snack.If the snack you're lusting for is pizza, California Pizza Kitchen will serve vets any pizza on its menu for free — even The Works.

• You need financial advice. Vets get free access on Monday to a Kiplinger's and Wells Fargo-sponsored online tool — valued at $49.95 — that helps vets create a personalized strategy to boost Social Security benefits. Instructions at www.SocialSecurityforVeterans.com.

• You're hankering for dinner. Golden Corral rolls out a free buffet dinner and free beverage to active-duty and retired military. Or head to Applebee's: Veterans and Active Duty Military get a FREE Signature Entrée. Veterans will be given a selected menu to choose from and must have proof of military serviceAnd Olive Garden: Veterans and current service members get a free meal from a special menu.Chili's: Free entree for veterans and active military personnel, dine in only. Beverage and tip not included. Show military identification.

•You desire dessert. Participating Krispy Kreme stores will feed a veteran's sweet tooth with a free doughnut and small coffee.

• You're getting sleepy. OK, this one's not on the house. But Red Roof Inn is offering 15% off at more than 350 properties nationwide all November to vets, active-duty military and their families.

•You've still got the munchies. Red Robin has got the cure: a free Tavern Double burger — served, of course, with bottomless fries.

• You don't want the day to end.You might cap it off with a caffeinated salute at Starbucks, which will pour a free, tall brewed coffee to vets and active military — and their spouses.